How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

My doctor recommended it. At first I was excited but as time went on I realized what a life altering step it was and started weighing the pros and cons. It is a very serious step not to take lightly

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

Not a problem. I am with Kaiser.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first visit was informative. I had decided on lap band but after speaking with doctor I agreed with his recommendation of sleeve.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being fat, sick and no energy. I did not want to end up like my mother with serious health risks. I felt like I had a lot more living to do and the weight was getting in my way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

With the surgeon's help and a lot or research on my own.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I did fear that I would die. I just had this thought that it was all or nothing. I would either survive and do wonderfully or just die. This is a decision I made for myself and do not feel comfortable telling anyone anything. Do your research and if you feel it is right, even with the possiblity of death, then you have your answer

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My family was fantastic. They are behind me 1000% I am unsure if I could do it without them.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

Retired

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was informative but shocking. I had very mixed emotions. It took me some time to make the decision.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My stay was fine. I had a very severe headache for 2 days after surgery and was not able to maintain fluids. I was kept in the hospital until I could drink fluids and keep them down. The only thing I really used was my slippers to walk.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

Only the severe headache. Once that ran it's course I was great.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was excited at first and then anxiety set in. It took me over one year for my surgery date because of the program that Kaiser patients go through. Of course I did the guessing if I was doing the right thing up until I went into surgery.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Be patient with yourself. It is hard to get in all of the protein and fluid you need. Each day gets better and you can take in more. Walking is crucial.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I had to travel 80 miles each way. I wish there had been a closer alternative for me.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I am only on my two week diet. I am able to take in protein drinks, yogurt, cottage cheese.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

At first it was difficult to walk any distance. But as the days went by I increased rapidly.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Multi-vitamin, B1,B12,D3,calcuim

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I had none of the listed side affects however I had nightmares for the first two weeks after surgery. Nothing specific, just veyr bad dreams on different topics.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Making the decision.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

The obesityhelp chats are wonderful. I know someone who is 2 weeks ahead of me so bouncing things off of her is great.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I stomach has many scars from other surgeries so a few more did not matter at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet thank goodness

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't think so but I feel as though I am coming out of my shell.